Dad Hikes: Hawn State Park

Walking along Pickle Creek with its rapids and small waterfalls made for an enchanting hike as the creek gurgled beside me at Hawn State Park.

Overview of Hawn State Park

This 4,656-acre park has it all with sandy-bottom streams, stately pine, and oak trees along with exposed rock areas throughout the park.

Hawn State Park was named for Helen Coffer Hawn, who had been a teacher in St. Genevieve, Mo., and donated the first 1,459 acres in 1952.

In the park, you can camp under a canopy of lofty pines that have basic and electric sites. Picnic areas are in the woodland and the one near the Pickle Creek and Whispering Pines Trails has a playground for kids.

My Time Here

Loop Trail

I did a loop hike incorporating the Pickle Creek and Whispering Pines trails. You can also do the Pickle Creek Trail as a 1.6-mile out-and-back hike.

Picnic and playground near parking for the trailhead

Beginning the Trail

The trailhead is near a picnic area with a nearby playground surrounded by evergreens.

If you wanted to start your time here going up into the hills and then circling back to the creek you would start at the Whispering Pines Trailhead, which is also here.

I headed to the Pickle Creek Trailhead in the pine savanna.

Pickle Creek water rushing around the rocks.

Along the Creek

The trail follows along Pickle Creek here. Water flows around lots of rocks making an occasional cascade. I ducked closer to the river for better views.

Finding My Way

As I walked along I kept an eye out for the green markers on the trees to keep following the trail. There are occasional side trails that go closer to the creek whereas the trail goes higher in the hillside so keep a lookout for the green markers.

Right Side of the Trail

Looking up into the hillside I saw a terrain with lots of rocks coming down small inclines along with many cliffsides. If you hike it in spring or fall you can really see the hilly topography.

Closeup of the flowing and splashing water

Harder Creek Terrain

As I ventured further the creek begins to flow through the harder rock. Small waterfalls and cascades push through the igneous rockfaces. I walked near the creek exploring these swift water areas.

Pickle Creek Shut Ins — Pickle Creek Shut-Ins

Towards the End

A hard area of bedrock greeted me as I came further down the hike. Here I walked out into the creek scrambling around the shut-ins and watching water swish through the rocks. I took a moment to relax and take in the views.

End of Pickle Creek Trail

I made it to the end marker of the trail. Then looked to my left.

I would now need to cross Pickle Creek using large rocks to stay out of the water. The Whispering Pine Trail section of the loop begins across the creekbed.

Heading along the creek now on Whispering Pine Trail.

Starting Whispering Pine Trail Section

Here I followed red arrows and markers going first along the creek before the trail ascends into the hillside.

Along this way, a few short trails go back to the creek. And there is another connector trail that I could take back to the Pickle Creek Trail if I wanted.

Into the Hills

Up here you can walk along the cliffsides with occasional lookouts over the distant hills and the creek far below.

It is a boulder-filled terrain and I took time to enjoy it occasionally stopping at interesting rock formations.

Towards the end of my time up here I came to a cliffside and looked out seeing groves of evergreens in the distance.

Heading Back

I kept following the trail to the left as I intersected with the other section of the Whispering Pine Trail loop going away from the trailhead and farther into the woods.

Then, I crossed two bridges to the parking area for Whispering Pine Trail then to the parking lot where I parked my SUV near Pickle Creek Trailhead.

Another hillside view along the Whispering Pine Trail

Final Thoughts

This trail goes through some rock-strewn areas along the creek so be prepared to watch your step. The Pickle Creek section was scenic with the water cascading across rocks and shut-ins and I kept stopping to take in the views. A 1.8-mile trail is a scenic walk through forested hills and by a stone and rock bubbling brook.

Other Trails at Hawn State Park

Pinewoods Grove Trail and Overlook

A short trail leads to an overlook by the park office. Here you can look over the Pickle Creek valley with a view of some of the pine and oak-covered hills at Hawn State Park.

Informational sign at Pinewoods Grove Trail

Along the path, you will find information about the pine woodlands and the Lamotte Sandstone that forms the park’s bluffs, knobs, and box canyons.

White Oaks Trail

A trailhead for this 4.4-mile trail is near the park entrance. It has many stream crossings along with sandstone outcroppings.

The trail starts as a 1.25-mile spur going through grassland before becoming a loop entering an area of small creeks, rocky terrain, and overlooks.

Whispering Pines Trail

First, if you planning this as an overnight you will need to register at the trailhead.

This trail is divided between a 6 mile north loop and a four-mile south loop for a 10-mile hike if you do it all.

You will cross the Pickle Creek more than once so be prepared for stepping into the water.

The trail is known for showing some of the best terrain of the Missouri Ozarks with waterfalls, rock ledges, pine groves, and even a shelter cave and the back North Loop goes by the River Aux Vases with terraced rock faces, boulders, and cliff sides. This trail even has a view from Evans Knob. Water is not available along this trail so make sure to bring some with you.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 55 south to Exit 154 for Highway O and take it west to Highway 32. Make a right onto MO-32 and take this highway to Highway 144 which is on your left and leads into the park.

Hours: 7:30 a.m. – sunset, Nov. 15- March 14; 7: 30 a.m. – 9 p.m., March 15- Nov. 14.

Admission: Free

Address: 12096 Park Dr #8121, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670